How Long Does Makeup Last

Are you guilty of holding onto makeup a little longer than you should? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a discontinued favourite or a barely used palette, throwing out old makeup can feel wasteful, especially when it still looks fine.

But here’s the truth: makeup doesn’t last forever. Over time, cosmetics can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to skin irritation, breakouts, eye infections and even styes. Knowing how long makeup lasts and when to replace it is essential for keeping your skin healthy and your makeup routine safe.

Below is your guide to makeup expiration dates, including how long each product lasts, how to spot expired makeup and simple hygiene tips to extend the life of your beauty kit.

What Is PAO (Period After Opening)?

The lifespan of makeup depends on the formula, storage conditions and whether the product has been opened. While many cosmetics last up to two years unopened, some products expire just three months after opening.

To check how long a product lasts, look for the PAO symbol on the packaging. It appears as an open jar with a number and “M” (for months), usually near the ingredient list. For example, 12M means the product is safe to use for 12 months after opening.

When Do Face Palettes Expire?

Powder products like face palettes, bronzers, blushes and pressed powders have the longest lifespan because they don’t contain water, making it harder for bacteria to grow.

Average lifespan:

✔ 12–24 months

To keep powder products fresh:

• Clean makeup brushes regularly
• Always close compacts tightly after use
• Store products in a cool, dry place

If brushes aren’t cleaned, you’re reapplying oil, bacteria and dead skin cells onto the product every time you use it.

Signs your powder makeup has expired:

• A hard or glossy film on the surface
• Discolouration
• A noticeable change in texture or performance

This hardening happens when oils from your skin mix with the powder over time. Proper brush hygiene helps prevent it.

When Does Mascara Expire?

Mascara has the shortest lifespan of all makeup products and should be replaced frequently.

Average lifespan:

✔ 3 months

Because mascara lives in a warm, damp tube, bacteria can multiply quickly. Each use transfers bacteria from your lashes onto the wand and back into the product.

Replace your mascara immediately if you notice:

• A strong or unusual smell
• A dry, clumpy or watery texture
• Eye irritation or redness

Never share mascara. Sharing can easily cause cross-contamination and eye infections.

When Does Eyeshadow Expire?

Even though eyeshadow is a powder product, it’s applied near the eyes, so hygiene matters.

Average lifespan:

✔ Up to 12 months

Replace eyeshadow sooner if you notice:

• Loss of pigmentation
• Changes in smell or texture
• Hardening or patchy application

Pro tip: If a powder eyeshadow has lightly hardened and is still within its safe usage period, gently scrape the top layer with a clean mascara wand to reveal fresh product underneath.

When Does Eyeliner Expire?

Eyeliner expiry depends on the formula and how it’s applied.

Liquid eyeliner:

✔ 3–6 months

Liquid liners are prone to bacteria due to repeated dipping. Clean the tip regularly, keep the lid tightly closed and never share liquid eyeliner to avoid eye infections.

Gel eyeliner (pot or cream formula):

✔ 6–12 months

Gel eyeliners last longer than liquid liners but still require good hygiene. Because they’re often applied with a brush, bacteria can be introduced if tools aren’t clean. Always use a freshly cleaned brush, avoid double-dipping on clients and keep the lid tightly sealed to prevent drying out and contamination.

Pencil eyeliner:

✔ Up to 12 months

Sharpening removes surface bacteria, helping pencil liners last longer. Just remember to regularly clean your sharpener with sanitiser so germs don’t transfer back onto the pencil.

When Do Lipstick and Lip Gloss Expire?

Lip products contain preservatives, but they still break down over time, especially with frequent use.

Average lifespan:

✔ 12–18 months (best replaced around 12 months)

Replace lipsticks and glosses sooner if they:

• Smell off or rancid
• Become dry, clumpy or separated

To extend their lifespan:

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Avoid leaving them in heat
• Don’t apply immediately after eating, as food residue can contaminate the product

How to Make Your Makeup Last Longer (Safely)

Making your makeup last longer starts with good hygiene and proper storage. These habits help prevent bacteria buildup, maintain product performance and protect your skin and eyes.

• Clean brushes and tools regularly
  Brushes, sponges and applicators collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells with every use. When tools are not cleaned often, this debris transfers back onto your skin and into your makeup, increasing the risk of irritation and breakouts. Wash brushes weekly with gentle soap or brush cleanser and sanitise tools between uses where possible.
• Keep products tightly sealed
  Always close lids, caps and compacts properly after use. Exposure to air can dry out formulas, cause oxidation and allow bacteria to enter, especially with cream, gel and liquid products.
• Avoid heat, humidity and direct sunlight
  Heat and moisture break down makeup formulas and preservatives, causing products to expire faster. Avoid storing makeup in bathrooms, hot cars or near windows and keep everything in a cool, dry place.
• Never share eye or lip products
  Eye and lip products come into direct contact with sensitive areas and can easily spread bacteria and infections. Sharing mascara, eyeliner, lipsticks or glosses significantly increases the risk of contamination.
• Pay attention to changes in smell, texture or colour
  If a product smells unusual, changes colour, separates, dries out or no longer applies smoothly, it should be discarded immediately, even if it is still within its recommended usage period.

Is Your Makeup Past Its Prime?

If you’re questioning whether a product is still safe, it probably isn’t. Refreshing your makeup kit isn’t just about performance, it’s about protecting your skin and eyes.
Explore the full MODELROCK cosmetics range and update your beauty essentials today.